Free Radicals and Aging

Booknews

Forty-two papers from a congress held in Paris, France, in September 1991. Among the various theories proposed to account for the process of aging, free radical theory is of practical interest, since it includes the possibility of retarding this process by administrating natural or synthetic antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Aspects of free radical involvement in the intrinsic aging process and in age-related diseases, as well as the importance of the pro-antioxidant balance throughout life are discussed. Epidemiologic studies are reported showing correlations between low plasma levels of essential antioxidants and the occurrence of coronary heart disease, cancer, and cataract formation. Includes five pages of color plates. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)